On November 5th, 2026, the BC Schizophrenia Society (BCSS) and the BCSS Foundation welcomed donors, supporters, family members, board members, and community partners to our annual Donor Appreciation Event.
Hosted in Vancouver and streamed live for virtual attendees across British Columbia and beyond, the evening brought together individuals united by a shared commitment to improving the lives of people affected by schizophrenia and other serious and persistent mental illnesses.
The event opened with remarks from Faydra Aldridge, CEO of BCSS, who expressed heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has helped advance BCSS’s mission over the years.
“Tonight is to celebrate you. Your resilience, your courage, your time, and your generosity have fueled hope and progress for families across British Columbia.”
Faydra reflected on BCSS’s ongoing work supporting families, advocating for improved mental health services, increasing public awareness, and reducing the stigma surrounding schizophrenia. She also shared the growing demand for BCSS programs and services, noting that BCSS demand has increased by 33%, with BCSS supporting more than 500 family members each month and welcomed over 1,600 new families in the past year.
Celebrating Progress and Looking Ahead
Guests received updates on BCSS advocacy efforts and the continued work to improve:
- Earlier intervention for individuals experiencing psychosis
- Access to care across all regions of British Columbia
- Family inclusion within the circle of care
- Mental health policies that better support individuals living with schizophrenia and other serious mental illnesses
Attendees also welcomed Cynthia Petrie, who was recently appointed President of the BCSS Board of Directors.
Throughout the evening, one message remained clear: while meaningful progress has been made, there is still important work ahead.
Advancing Research Through the BCSS Foundation
Renato Zane, Chair of the BCSS Foundation, provided updates on several donor-funded research initiatives currently underway.
This year, the Foundation increased its investment in research to more than $106,000, supporting projects focused on schizophrenia, treatment-resistant illness, cognition, substance use, and emerging approaches to care.
Renato also announced an exciting new partnership with the University of British Columbia’s Faculty of Medicine through the creation of the BC Schizophrenia Society Foundation Scholar Fund. The initiative supports physician-scientists pursuing research focused on schizophrenia and related disorders.
The Foundation continues to fund and support research projects led by:
- Dr. Raza Rafiee Zadeh, Red Fish Healing Centre for Mental Health and Addiction
- Dr. Ben Azadi, University of Victoria
- Dr. Ivan Torres, University of British Columbia
These projects represent important steps toward improving understanding, treatment, and outcomes for individuals living with schizophrenia.
Family Stories That Bring Impact to Life
One of the most powerful moments of the evening came from BCSS Educators Anisha and Kate, who shared stories from families across the province whose lives have been impacted by BCSS programs and support services.
Through these anonymous testimonials, donors heard firsthand how education, connection, and practical tools can help families navigate some of life’s most difficult challenges.
A mother whose son lives with schizophrenia described finding BCSS after feeling completely alone and overwhelmed.
A sibling shared how education helped transform her relationship with her sister, replacing frustration and misunderstanding with compassion and connection.
Another family member reflected on learning new communication strategies and advocacy tools through BCSS programs, describing the result as a “full 180” for her family.
While each story was unique, they all shared a common theme: families are not looking for someone to fix everything. They are looking for guidance, understanding, support, and hope.
As Anisha noted during the presentation:
“We want families to feel informed, empowered, supported, and most importantly, less alone.”
Imagining a Better Future
As part of the evening, attendees were invited to answer a simple question:
“When you imagine a better future for families affected by schizophrenia, what does that future look like to you?”
Some of the responses included:
- A future where hope is stronger than fear and understanding replaces stigma.
- A future where no parent has to struggle alone to find help for their child.
- A future where mental health automatically includes family in the circle of care.
- A future where families spend less time navigating barriers and more time healing.
- A future where people can get the help they need, when they need it.
These reflections captured the heart of BCSS’s work and the vision shared by families, donors, staff, volunteers, and researchers alike.
Celebrating Extraordinary Generosity
BCSS also recognized the ongoing generosity of Chris Sandy, whose dedication has made a significant impact on families across British Columbia.
This year marks Chris’s 11th consecutive year of supporting BCSS through a matching donation campaign. For 2026, he has increased his matching commitment to $15,000, helping to amplify the impact of every gift received.
We are deeply grateful for his continued partnership and commitment to improving mental health supports for families throughout the province.
Thank You 💜
As the evening came to a close, attendees enjoyed an opportunity to connect, reflect, and celebrate the incredible community that makes BCSS possible.
To every donor, volunteer, board member, family member, educator, and advocate who joined us, thank you.
Your support enables BCSS to provide education, resources, advocacy, research funding, and hope to thousands of families affected by schizophrenia and serious mental illness each year.
Together, we are building a future where families receive the support they deserve, stigma continues to decrease, and no one has to face this journey alone.
Thank you for believing in our mission and for helping us create lasting change.